We walked past our inn. The creature had disappeared. We went on a short distance, and then I felt from the prickling of the hair on my neck that he was behind us again.
So began a game of cat and mice, which took us around corners and fleeing through alleys until at last I felt we had lost our silent pursuer, and with a sigh we entered our tavern.
I was awakened next morning, as I slept uneasily on Alec's couch, by Doctor John Baringer. He was puffing a pipe and grinning, but his eyes were shadowed. "What's up?" I asked.
"Everybody but you ... Will, there's a lashing of people about in Baker Street. I don't know why I noticed 'em, especially, but they're there—just standing or sauntering, watching folk pass. It struck me queerly, and Alec tells me you were followed last night."
I started to dress hurriedly. "Do they look like policemen?"
"I wouldn't say so," John mused. "They're just ordinary people, men and women both, standing in the sun. I can't say I like it."
"Nor I. Are they concentrated near the inn?"
"No. Within a block or two, though; I didn't begin to notice them till I'd passed that restaurant where we ate last night."
Alec came in. "You were right," he said to John. "By God, you were right! Forty or more, loitering ... Will's got to get out."